The FIA launched its roadmap for the way forward for the WRC in February, which it hopes will appeal to new producers to the championship.
Included in a raft of proposals are technical adjustments to each Rally1 and Rally2 lessons. The tweaks to the foundations for 2025 and 2026 embody the elimination of hybrid energy, a discount within the aero, achieved by a modified rear wing, and a smaller air restrictor, to convey the Rally1 vehicles nearer to Rally2 automobile efficiency. The proposal additionally features a plan to introduce an improve package to Rally2 vehicles.
The FIA has additionally launched pointers for 2027 which take the type of Rally1 vehicles being capped at 400,000 euros and primarily based across the present Rally1 idea.
The vehicles will characteristic a bigger spaceframe chassis utilising a standard security cell to cut back prices and permit each producers and tuners to develop vehicles. The chassis will be capable of accommodate bodywork primarily based on vehicles within the B class, C class, compact, SUV and idea automotive segments and can produce roughly 330 horsepower.
The Stellantis Group, which owns many manufacturers together with Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Fiat, Lancia, Opel and Peugeot, is presently represented within the WRC at WRC2 stage by way of Citroen. From Stellantis’ huge portfolio of manufacturers, Citroen most lately competed on the prime of the WRC earlier than exiting on the finish of 2019.
When requested if the proposals relating to Rally1’s future course curiosity Stellantis, its buyer racing supervisor Dider Clement instructed Autosport: “We don’t know. We participate within the dialogue with the FIA relating to the rules.
“We’ve got no curiosity in any respect for the 2025 and 2026 rules regarding the present Rally1, however for 2027 we’ll work with all of the producers and the FIA. How can we see the longer term proper now? You by no means know.”
Pressed particularly on the adjustments for 2027, he added: “The FIA has completed a superb job. The technical division do a extremely good job. By way of promotion, we’ve to extend it a bit like everybody stated however all people is in the identical line and need the identical factor. We need to preserve the WRC at a superb stage.”
One of many group’s manufacturers, Lancia, has gone on report to state that it’s “working” on a rally return in latest months, however Clement says this “dream” can solely be mentioned as soon as rules are in place. It’s understood, because it stands, Rally4 affords essentially the most possible choice for a Lancia return.
“Firstly, it’s a dream for everyone as a result of Lancia has historical past and recollections however proper now earlier than we take into consideration a Lancia return you must focus on the rules. We base our technique on rules, and it isn’t mounted proper now so it’s positively too quickly,” he added.
It additionally appears seemingly that Stellantis, by way of its Citroen arm, doesn’t have any want to supply an improve package for its C3 Rally2 automotive to create a Rally2 Plus choice for opponents.
“We don’t suppose that WRC2 Plus ought to be useful for WRC Rally1,” added Clement. “As quickly as you contemplate that WRC2 Plus will likely be slower than the Rally1 and when you think about that WRC2 Plus could have no likelihood to win any rallies total, it doesn’t assist.”